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Below Stairs Mystery #2
Scandal Above Stairs
Priceless artwork has gone missing from the home of a wealthy baronet, and his wife stands to take the blame. When Kat's employer asks for help in clearing her friend's name, Kat trades her kitchen for the homes of Mayfair's wealthiest families.
Soon antiques are disappearing not only from the extravagant households of connoisseurs and collectors, but from the illustrious British Museum. As the thefts increase in frequency, Kat calls upon her friend Daniel McAdam, who has already set himself up in a pawnshop on the Strand as a seedy receiver of stolen goods. When a man is murdered in the shop, Kat must use all of her wits to see that the thieves are caught and justice is done.
Soon antiques are disappearing not only from the extravagant households of connoisseurs and collectors, but from the illustrious British Museum. As the thefts increase in frequency, Kat calls upon her friend Daniel McAdam, who has already set himself up in a pawnshop on the Strand as a seedy receiver of stolen goods. When a man is murdered in the shop, Kat must use all of her wits to see that the thieves are caught and justice is done.
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First published July 3, 2018
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About the author
Jennifer Ashley
215 books7,335 followersNY Times Bestselling author Jennifer Ashley writes historical, contemporary, and paranormal romance, historical mysteries, and urban fantasy as Jennifer Ashley, Allyson James, and Ashley Gardner.
Jennifer's novels have been translated into many different languages, and earned starred reviews from Booklist and Publisher's Weekly. More about her books at http://www.jenniferashley.com and http://gardnermysteries.com.
Jennifer's novels have been translated into many different languages, and earned starred reviews from Booklist and Publisher's Weekly. More about her books at http://www.jenniferashley.com and http://gardnermysteries.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 487 reviews
July 2, 2018
READ MY REVIEW ON THE BLOG
In the second installment cook and hobby sleuth Kat Holloway is intrigued by a series of burglaries in noble houses where antiquities have been stolen. At her side again her merry band of sidekicks. I love every single one of them. They are colorful, unique and a little eccentric.
In Scandal Above Stairs we are being introduced to a new character, Tess, who fits well into Kat's group of friends. Although Tess was a little prickly in the beginning I enjoyed the developing friendship between the cook and her new assistant. Kat has a couple years on Tess and is always there for her with her inherent kindness but also leads young Tess with a firm hand.
While I enjoyed the mystery I would have liked to see more of Daniel. I don't mind a slow burn romance but I need the page time with the hero to see the relationship develop. I'm aware that this series is more a mystery than romance but I'd still like to see a little more of the developing feelings between Kat and Daniel. Kat is a very rational woman with a clever head on her shoulders but it is obvious that she's come to care deeply for him and his son.
I could have told him that nothing short of a hurricane could make me leave at this moment, and then it would be only to seek shelter with him where we might carry on kissing.
We get a little more details about the cook's love interest. Daniel is one of those deep waters that hides a lot of secrets. I am very much looking forward to discovering more about him. He is such a sweet man with the heart of a lion and a protective streak to boot.
“These men have no honor, Kat. I do not want them to grow angry with me and use you to punish me.”
I regarded him in surprise. “Would it punish you?”
His voice softened. “Indeed, it would.”
Jennifer Ashley shows us once more that she's pouring all her knowledge of Victorian England into these stories. I love her descriptions of Kat's food although they might get little too much sometimes. Overall this was an enjoyable new book in the Kat Holloway series and I'm looking forward to solving her next case! Hopefully with a little bit more romance and Daniel!
Read
October 26, 2017Scandal Above Stairs is Book 2 in the Kat Holloway Below Stairs Mysteries series. Reading order:
Soupcon of Poison (prequel novella--optional!)
Death Below Stairs (Book 1, Jan 2018)
Scandal Above Stairs (Book 2, July 2018)
Book 3--Title to come
In Book 2, you'll learn more about Daniel's past, meet Kat's new assistant, Tess, and catch up with the rest of the cast. I hope you enjoy it!
Books will be out in e-book, print, audio, large print, all kinds of things. :-)
Soupcon of Poison (prequel novella--optional!)
Death Below Stairs (Book 1, Jan 2018)
Scandal Above Stairs (Book 2, July 2018)
Book 3--Title to come
In Book 2, you'll learn more about Daniel's past, meet Kat's new assistant, Tess, and catch up with the rest of the cast. I hope you enjoy it!
Books will be out in e-book, print, audio, large print, all kinds of things. :-)
September 5, 2018
I've given this a C+ at AAR, so 3.5 stars
Scandal Above Stairs, the second book in Jennifer Ashley’s series of historical mysteries featuring the no-nonsense cook, Kat Ashley, takes place a few months after the events of book one, Death Below Stairs, and sees our intrepid heroine once again embroiled in the search for a killer, aided by her love-interest – the enigmatic Daniel McAdam – his son James, and her new assistant, Tess Parsons. It’s a well-written ‘cosy’ mystery, and the reviews I’ve seen have been overwhelmingly positive – but I have to confess to being a bit bored until about the last quarter of the book when the pacing, which is pretty pedestrian throughout, finally picks up as we head into the dénouement and resolution of the central plotline.
It’s been a couple of months since Kat helped Daniel to foil a plot to assassinate the Queen, and she’s just a little bit miffed that she hasn’t seen or heard from him in all that time. She still doesn’t know much about him other than that he’s a chameleon who can blend in with workmen, toffs and all the social spectrum in between, and that he must be working for the police or some other government agency. In Death Below Stairs, he promised that one day he’d tell her everything – but that time obviously hasn’t arrived yet. But Kat isn’t one to mope over a man – she knows Daniel must be alright because James would have told her if he wasn’t, and she goes about her normal business as usual – cooking for the Bywaters, now in residence at Lord Rankin’s Mayfair home (they are his cousins) and Lady Cynthia (his sister-in-law), who continues to wear men’s suits, smoke cheroots and, with her small group of like-minded friends, to infiltrate such bastions of masculine privilege as gentleman’s clubs and gaming houses whenever they can.
Well aware of Kat’s sleuthing talents, Lady Cynthia asks if Kat will help a friend of hers, whose husband has accused her of stealing some valuable paintings in order to pay off her gambling debts. On the pretext of visiting the house’s cook – most servants in grand houses knew each other –Kat accompanies Lady Cynthia to the home of Lady Clementine Godfrey to see what she can see – and it doesn’t take her long to work out exactly what’s going on and announce that Sir Evan Godfrey is selling the paintings himself because he’s in need of funds.
The mystery doesn’t end there, however. Before the visit, Kat had found Daniel again, this time working as the proprietor of a dingy pawnbrokers in the Strand where, he tells her, he’s been placed in order to investigate the recent thefts of a number artefacts and antiquities from museums that have never made it into exhibitions and have been put into storage and forgotten. Not long after this, a dead body is found in Daniel’s shop, and it doesn’t take long for Kat to realise that Daniel’s investigation and her previous observations about the Godfreys’ missing paintings are somehow linked.
I liked the way Ms. Ashley laid out her different plot elements and then gradually drew them together, and I was pleased to learn a little more about Daniel – although it is a very little and we’re no closer to knowing exactly who he’s working for and why. Kat continues to be an admirable heroine, a woman who’s worked hard to get where she is and who is determined to succeed in spite of the lousy hand life dealt her in the form of a bigamist ‘husband’, and I liked the new character of Tess, the young woman – a former thief – sent to her by Daniel when he learned Kat was short-handed in the kitchen. Tess is prickly to start with but soon proves to be a quick learner and a genuine help and support to Kat, both in the kitchen and in her investigating. The author does an excellent job of setting her story very firmly in late Victorian London, and her descriptions of the locations, whether a Mayfair mansion or the dingier London streets, are vivid.
There’s something (still) brewing between Lady Cynthia and Daniel’s good friend Elgin Thanos (a scholar and mathematical genius), but Kat and Daniel’s relationship here is pretty static. It’s clear they care deeply for one another, but neither of them is in a position – or hurry – to change anything at this stage, which, while it makes sense given their situations in life, is just a bit frustrating. I’m aware this is a mystery novel rather than a love story, but given the author has chosen to include a romance on the side, I’d have liked to have seen a bit more of Daniel – and of him Kat together.
As I said at the beginning, I had issues with the slow pacing of the novel, which made it difficult for me to fully engage with the story for around half of the book. There’s also a fair bit of telling-not-showing going on; and while the descriptions of the food Kat prepares are mouthwatering, there are too many of them – as I said in my review of Death Below Stairs, I felt as though I was being hit over the head with reminders that Kat Is A Cook. The biggest problem, however, is that when I sat down to write this review a day or so after I finished reading, I found I could recall very little about the plot – not even the identity of the villain – and had to look at the notes on my Kindle to refresh my memory. The pace quickens in the final chapters and the eventual reveal is a good one, but it all came too late to save the book, which, ultimately, I found lacklustre and unmemorable.
Judging from the positive reactions to the novel elsewhere, it seems that perhaps this is one of those occasions when ‘it’s not you, it’s me’, but I can only recommend Scandal Above Stairs to devotees of ‘cosy’ mysteries. If you like your mysteries served up with a little more tension and a little more romance, this is probably not for you.
Scandal Above Stairs, the second book in Jennifer Ashley’s series of historical mysteries featuring the no-nonsense cook, Kat Ashley, takes place a few months after the events of book one, Death Below Stairs, and sees our intrepid heroine once again embroiled in the search for a killer, aided by her love-interest – the enigmatic Daniel McAdam – his son James, and her new assistant, Tess Parsons. It’s a well-written ‘cosy’ mystery, and the reviews I’ve seen have been overwhelmingly positive – but I have to confess to being a bit bored until about the last quarter of the book when the pacing, which is pretty pedestrian throughout, finally picks up as we head into the dénouement and resolution of the central plotline.
It’s been a couple of months since Kat helped Daniel to foil a plot to assassinate the Queen, and she’s just a little bit miffed that she hasn’t seen or heard from him in all that time. She still doesn’t know much about him other than that he’s a chameleon who can blend in with workmen, toffs and all the social spectrum in between, and that he must be working for the police or some other government agency. In Death Below Stairs, he promised that one day he’d tell her everything – but that time obviously hasn’t arrived yet. But Kat isn’t one to mope over a man – she knows Daniel must be alright because James would have told her if he wasn’t, and she goes about her normal business as usual – cooking for the Bywaters, now in residence at Lord Rankin’s Mayfair home (they are his cousins) and Lady Cynthia (his sister-in-law), who continues to wear men’s suits, smoke cheroots and, with her small group of like-minded friends, to infiltrate such bastions of masculine privilege as gentleman’s clubs and gaming houses whenever they can.
Well aware of Kat’s sleuthing talents, Lady Cynthia asks if Kat will help a friend of hers, whose husband has accused her of stealing some valuable paintings in order to pay off her gambling debts. On the pretext of visiting the house’s cook – most servants in grand houses knew each other –Kat accompanies Lady Cynthia to the home of Lady Clementine Godfrey to see what she can see – and it doesn’t take her long to work out exactly what’s going on and announce that Sir Evan Godfrey is selling the paintings himself because he’s in need of funds.
The mystery doesn’t end there, however. Before the visit, Kat had found Daniel again, this time working as the proprietor of a dingy pawnbrokers in the Strand where, he tells her, he’s been placed in order to investigate the recent thefts of a number artefacts and antiquities from museums that have never made it into exhibitions and have been put into storage and forgotten. Not long after this, a dead body is found in Daniel’s shop, and it doesn’t take long for Kat to realise that Daniel’s investigation and her previous observations about the Godfreys’ missing paintings are somehow linked.
I liked the way Ms. Ashley laid out her different plot elements and then gradually drew them together, and I was pleased to learn a little more about Daniel – although it is a very little and we’re no closer to knowing exactly who he’s working for and why. Kat continues to be an admirable heroine, a woman who’s worked hard to get where she is and who is determined to succeed in spite of the lousy hand life dealt her in the form of a bigamist ‘husband’, and I liked the new character of Tess, the young woman – a former thief – sent to her by Daniel when he learned Kat was short-handed in the kitchen. Tess is prickly to start with but soon proves to be a quick learner and a genuine help and support to Kat, both in the kitchen and in her investigating. The author does an excellent job of setting her story very firmly in late Victorian London, and her descriptions of the locations, whether a Mayfair mansion or the dingier London streets, are vivid.
There’s something (still) brewing between Lady Cynthia and Daniel’s good friend Elgin Thanos (a scholar and mathematical genius), but Kat and Daniel’s relationship here is pretty static. It’s clear they care deeply for one another, but neither of them is in a position – or hurry – to change anything at this stage, which, while it makes sense given their situations in life, is just a bit frustrating. I’m aware this is a mystery novel rather than a love story, but given the author has chosen to include a romance on the side, I’d have liked to have seen a bit more of Daniel – and of him Kat together.
As I said at the beginning, I had issues with the slow pacing of the novel, which made it difficult for me to fully engage with the story for around half of the book. There’s also a fair bit of telling-not-showing going on; and while the descriptions of the food Kat prepares are mouthwatering, there are too many of them – as I said in my review of Death Below Stairs, I felt as though I was being hit over the head with reminders that Kat Is A Cook. The biggest problem, however, is that when I sat down to write this review a day or so after I finished reading, I found I could recall very little about the plot – not even the identity of the villain – and had to look at the notes on my Kindle to refresh my memory. The pace quickens in the final chapters and the eventual reveal is a good one, but it all came too late to save the book, which, ultimately, I found lacklustre and unmemorable.
Judging from the positive reactions to the novel elsewhere, it seems that perhaps this is one of those occasions when ‘it’s not you, it’s me’, but I can only recommend Scandal Above Stairs to devotees of ‘cosy’ mysteries. If you like your mysteries served up with a little more tension and a little more romance, this is probably not for you.
August 7, 2018
I was really looking forward to this one and I'm disappointed...
While the first book was a novelty, this one is a repeat.
I was expecting something much more exciting, but got a lot of mouthwatering recepies.
I also wanted to know more about Daniel, but apart from "I'll tell you everything, but not just now" we don't get anything...
This could be defined as a historical cozy mistery...
Let's hope the next is much more exiting!
While the first book was a novelty, this one is a repeat.
I was expecting something much more exciting, but got a lot of mouthwatering recepies.
I also wanted to know more about Daniel, but apart from "I'll tell you everything, but not just now" we don't get anything...
This could be defined as a historical cozy mistery...
Let's hope the next is much more exiting!
June 21, 2018
Just as charming as its predecessor, Scandal Above Stairs continues the adventures of resourceful and level-headed Kat Holloway and her merry band of friends and acquaintances.
In this installment, Kat is tasked with solving the mystery of who’s been stealing artwork and various fancies from some of Mayfair’s most well-known residents. Still working as a cook in the Rankin kitchen, circumstances have changed since Mrs. Rankin passed away. Mr. Rankin has left in order to process his wife’s death, leaving Lady Cynthia mostly alone in the mansion, which certainly works in Kat’s favor. Lady Cynthia is no slouch when it comes to sneaking about and she makes a delightful partner for investigations. She’s got the name and status to get both herself and Kat in the door, Kat has the name and status to get the help to talk. Together, they make a formidable pair, and the investigation is even better once the elusive Daniel and his son make an appearance.
This series is quickly growing to become one of my favorite historical mystery series. Equal parts witty and charming, but there’s also a fair bit of danger and mayhem to be found and it’s certainly a nice balance. My favorite aspect, though, is definitely the characters, specifically Kat and Daniel. Kat is such a strong character, resourceful, level-headed, tough-as-nails, and so incredibly smart. Smart enough to not get tangled up so quickly with a man like Daniel, although I wish she would. The romance in this one is the slowest of all slow-burns, but I strongly suspect the wait will most certainly be worth it. There is another romance that seems to be blossoming between one Lady Cynthia and someone familiar, and I’m rooting just as hard for them as I am for Kat and Daniel.
Bottom line - Scandal Above Stairs was a fantastic second installment in the Kat Holloway series and I definitely can’t wait to see what Ashley brings for the third installment. I’m quite certain there will be more danger and shenanigans (and plenty of stick in the mud Mr. Davis, who I also adore), and hopefully more Daniel and James. Together with Lady Cynthia, they make a fantastic foursome that I can’t get enough of. Highly recommended for lovers of mysteries who like a little humor, excellent characters, and a mystery that will keep you guessing.
*ARC received courtesy of the publisher.
In this installment, Kat is tasked with solving the mystery of who’s been stealing artwork and various fancies from some of Mayfair’s most well-known residents. Still working as a cook in the Rankin kitchen, circumstances have changed since Mrs. Rankin passed away. Mr. Rankin has left in order to process his wife’s death, leaving Lady Cynthia mostly alone in the mansion, which certainly works in Kat’s favor. Lady Cynthia is no slouch when it comes to sneaking about and she makes a delightful partner for investigations. She’s got the name and status to get both herself and Kat in the door, Kat has the name and status to get the help to talk. Together, they make a formidable pair, and the investigation is even better once the elusive Daniel and his son make an appearance.
This series is quickly growing to become one of my favorite historical mystery series. Equal parts witty and charming, but there’s also a fair bit of danger and mayhem to be found and it’s certainly a nice balance. My favorite aspect, though, is definitely the characters, specifically Kat and Daniel. Kat is such a strong character, resourceful, level-headed, tough-as-nails, and so incredibly smart. Smart enough to not get tangled up so quickly with a man like Daniel, although I wish she would. The romance in this one is the slowest of all slow-burns, but I strongly suspect the wait will most certainly be worth it. There is another romance that seems to be blossoming between one Lady Cynthia and someone familiar, and I’m rooting just as hard for them as I am for Kat and Daniel.
Bottom line - Scandal Above Stairs was a fantastic second installment in the Kat Holloway series and I definitely can’t wait to see what Ashley brings for the third installment. I’m quite certain there will be more danger and shenanigans (and plenty of stick in the mud Mr. Davis, who I also adore), and hopefully more Daniel and James. Together with Lady Cynthia, they make a fantastic foursome that I can’t get enough of. Highly recommended for lovers of mysteries who like a little humor, excellent characters, and a mystery that will keep you guessing.
*ARC received courtesy of the publisher.
June 28, 2018
I absolutely adore this series; it's so well written. I love period series on Britbox and Masterpiece theater and this series has the linguistics down to the proper mannerisms that they used back then.
This book introduces a street urchin, Tess to Mrs. Holloway’s kitchen. She was recommended by the elusive Mr. McAdam who knew that Mrs. Holloway needed a kitchen assistant. Tess proves to be a quick study in the kitchen as well as helping Mrs. Holloway and Lady Cynthia in their latest caper. She's rough around the edges but with Mrs. Holloway as a mentor, she's coming around.
If you like Victorian mysteries, this one doesn't disappoint. I can't wait to read the next installment in this series.
This book introduces a street urchin, Tess to Mrs. Holloway’s kitchen. She was recommended by the elusive Mr. McAdam who knew that Mrs. Holloway needed a kitchen assistant. Tess proves to be a quick study in the kitchen as well as helping Mrs. Holloway and Lady Cynthia in their latest caper. She's rough around the edges but with Mrs. Holloway as a mentor, she's coming around.
If you like Victorian mysteries, this one doesn't disappoint. I can't wait to read the next installment in this series.
September 10, 2018
Very well written - this series keeps getting better book by book!
June 18, 2018
I adored Kat Halloway in the first 1.5 books of this series and have been looking forward to more of her adventures all summer. Scandal Above Stairs picks up shortly where the previous book ends. Kat is thrown into an art theft investigation, which leads to other mysteries. There seems to be nothing Kat can't do; and I love all her sleuthing abilities in addition to her delicious meals.
"I am a cook, not a police detective."
While many familiar faces have returned, there is the introduction of new faces as well. Tess quickly became one of my favorites characters in this series. She is the complete opposite of Kat in many ways, but they compliment each other perfectly. I could not get enough of their blossoming friendship and can't wait to see how Tess continues to develop. She brings a new radiance and humor to keep Kat on her toes.
"Well, I ain't meek..And anyway, what would I do with the Earth?"
I adore Daniel and was saddened he doesn't appear more prevalent in this installment. He continues to be the most elusive character, and I am desperate to learn more. This is turning out to be an intriguing, slow burning romance.
If you are a historical mystery fan, I definitely recommend this series. The outstanding character development easily compensates for the lighter mystery aspect. I cannot wait to see what adventures await Kat and crew next.
A huge thank you to Penguin/Berkley for my advanced review copy.
"I am a cook, not a police detective."
While many familiar faces have returned, there is the introduction of new faces as well. Tess quickly became one of my favorites characters in this series. She is the complete opposite of Kat in many ways, but they compliment each other perfectly. I could not get enough of their blossoming friendship and can't wait to see how Tess continues to develop. She brings a new radiance and humor to keep Kat on her toes.
"Well, I ain't meek..And anyway, what would I do with the Earth?"
I adore Daniel and was saddened he doesn't appear more prevalent in this installment. He continues to be the most elusive character, and I am desperate to learn more. This is turning out to be an intriguing, slow burning romance.
If you are a historical mystery fan, I definitely recommend this series. The outstanding character development easily compensates for the lighter mystery aspect. I cannot wait to see what adventures await Kat and crew next.
A huge thank you to Penguin/Berkley for my advanced review copy.
December 3, 2018
Intrigue amongst the upper classes!
An engaging read following the exploits of seemingly mild mannered, intelligent cook for a well-to-do household, Kat Holloway, and her mysterious friend, Daniel McAdam.
Valuables and priceless artifacts are being stolen from wealthy neighboring homes, and it seems even the British Museum is not immune.
Kat and Daniel find themselves once more at the crossroads of doings above and below the stairs of the mansions of Mayfair.
I still have not built a mental image of Kat, although my emotional image is that of a strong, determined woman.
We find out a bit more about the enigmatic Daniel, but he's still shrouded in a veil of secrecy. The where's, why fore's, and who's are definitely up for grabs. And what is the relationship between Kat and Daniel?
Another captivating murder mystery showcasing the upstairs downstairs relationships of Victorian England.
A NetGalley ARC
An engaging read following the exploits of seemingly mild mannered, intelligent cook for a well-to-do household, Kat Holloway, and her mysterious friend, Daniel McAdam.
Valuables and priceless artifacts are being stolen from wealthy neighboring homes, and it seems even the British Museum is not immune.
Kat and Daniel find themselves once more at the crossroads of doings above and below the stairs of the mansions of Mayfair.
I still have not built a mental image of Kat, although my emotional image is that of a strong, determined woman.
We find out a bit more about the enigmatic Daniel, but he's still shrouded in a veil of secrecy. The where's, why fore's, and who's are definitely up for grabs. And what is the relationship between Kat and Daniel?
Another captivating murder mystery showcasing the upstairs downstairs relationships of Victorian England.
A NetGalley ARC
July 2, 2018
Lady Cynthia asks for Kat's help when her friend's husband accuses his wife of stealing valuable paintings from their ancestral home to pay off gambling debts. That is quite the switch, No? When she bumps into Daniel he is working at an unsavory pawnshop. Once again he cannot tell her what he is doing, but when she shares her kitchen woes, he sends a clever street urchin, named Tess. I liked Tess and hope she continues to be a part of the series.
In this installment local homes are being pilfered for ancient artifacts and something is going on with the kitchen door. Is it Tess the new help or is this somehow linked to Lady Cynthia's friend? Kat will face danger before it's all sorted out and what an adventure it was.
Once again Ashley pulled me right into the story. I found myself at the kitchen table below stairs, sipping tea and taking it all in. I love not only the mysteries in Kat Holloway mysteries, but the talks of food as Kat prepares meals. I will not be applying for Kat's job anytime soon! We even get to visit another kitchen in the area and oh my what a night that was.
Kat Holloway is one of my favorite characters and I love the relationship she has both with Lady Cynthia and the staff. Then there is her complicated relationship with Daniel. We see some development and it delighted me. Secondary characters from suspects, gentry and staff added depth to the story and were all colorful.
Danger, near death, suspense and delightful banter made Scandal Above Stairs a splendid read. Fans of historical fiction, cozy mysteries and strong heroines will enjoy spending time with these characters. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
In this installment local homes are being pilfered for ancient artifacts and something is going on with the kitchen door. Is it Tess the new help or is this somehow linked to Lady Cynthia's friend? Kat will face danger before it's all sorted out and what an adventure it was.
Once again Ashley pulled me right into the story. I found myself at the kitchen table below stairs, sipping tea and taking it all in. I love not only the mysteries in Kat Holloway mysteries, but the talks of food as Kat prepares meals. I will not be applying for Kat's job anytime soon! We even get to visit another kitchen in the area and oh my what a night that was.
Kat Holloway is one of my favorite characters and I love the relationship she has both with Lady Cynthia and the staff. Then there is her complicated relationship with Daniel. We see some development and it delighted me. Secondary characters from suspects, gentry and staff added depth to the story and were all colorful.
Danger, near death, suspense and delightful banter made Scandal Above Stairs a splendid read. Fans of historical fiction, cozy mysteries and strong heroines will enjoy spending time with these characters. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
February 2, 2020
Life is back to normal for cook Kat Halloway after the scandal and excitement of solving mysteries. The household is short staffed and Lady Cynthia's aunt is cheap and won't hire new help so Kat is very busy. In addition to her regular duties, Lady Cynthia begs Kat to look into the mysterious disappearance of priceless works of art from one of the best London homes. Cynthia's friend Clemetina, wife of Sir Evan Godfrey, has been accused to stealing HIS paintings to pay her gambling debts. Cynthia is positive her friend didn't do it. Kat's search for clues in the home leads her nowhere except to one logical conclusion. When the papers report a dead body found in a seedy pawn shop and Kat's friend Daniel McAdam is nowhere to be found, she panics. Daniel was last seen undercover at said seedy pawn shop meeting with a dangerous character. Kat is terrified for her friend and determined to find out whether the man was her friend and who killed him and why.
This mystery is not as engaging or as exciting as the first but it's also not as dark. I came to the exact same conclusion about the paintings as Kat did but luckily there was more to the mystery. The initial guess was too obvious. There's a lot of social commentary on how horrible marriage was for upper class women who were treated as property of their husbands. Kat's marriage was terrible but she has skills that give her some measure of independence. She ruminates a lot on the subject of women's rights and that feels more like the author sticking her opinion into this period piece. While I don't disagree with her, it seems unlikely that Kat would be thinking about such things. Lady Cynthia, yes; Kat, no. Cynthia also has her own thoughts about the wickedness of men. The romance takes a back seat to the mystery but heats up a little bit at the end. I wanted more romance.
I just love the characters. Kat is still strong, independent and capable. She's also very nurturing. She can be a bit brusque at first until one gets to know her and sees her big heart. I do believe she loves Daniel but because of circumstances, they can't be together. Kat is determined to be independent, at least for now, but I think there will come a time, hopefully, when Kat, Daniel, James and Grace can be a family together. Daniel is still mysteriously employed but he reveals more about his past. His past is pretty dark and Dickensian. It's amazing he was able to overcome it. We still don't know what he does but he's dropped a lot of hints. I still think someone from the Home Office hires Daniel, someone to whom Daniel owes a debt. I agree with Kat that Daniel should retire but I think his job earns him more than he would as a laborer and like Kat, he wants the money to support his child. James is still a cheeky lad but here we see his vulnerable side. He's still a boy who loves his dad and doesn't know what to do when faced with a crisis. I love how Kat and Daniel support each other and have that bond that brings them together.
Lady Cynthia is a little more subdued now, in mourning for her sister, but she still rejects traditional gender norms. She's become cynical about men but I think there's a romance brewing in her future. I hope so! Daniel's best friend Elgin Thanos appears again, in a larger role, to help solve the mystery AND help Cynthia avoid doltish suitors. I love his scholarly mind and how patient he is explaining things. Not many scholars can actually explain what they know to others who are ignorant. I love how he sees the measure of a man (or woman) quickly and treats everyone with respect, even the idiots Cynthia's uncle finds for her to marry. We learn more about how Daniel and Thaos met and why they're so close. Mr. Davis is limited to only a few scenes and nothing major. I found him an annoying gossip in the first book. He seems interested in Kat but not for the right reasons. I think he'd like to marry her just to cook for him. I don't like how he insinuates she spends her day out with a beau. That's none of his business and I bet if she did, he'd tattle to the family above stairs.
There are only a few new characters here. Lady Cynthia's aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Bywater are staying in Lord Rankin's house to chaperone Cynthia. Mr. Bywater seems nice enough but just doesn't understand Cynthia. Mrs. Bywater seems stupid and she's cheap. She doesn't understand or care to understand what it takes to run a household and she is strict in her notions for being only upper middle class. The most important new person in the house is Tess, the new kitchen maid. Tess, an orphaned street rat, is sent to work with Kat by Daniel. While Tess is impressed with Daniel, she's less than impressed with the duties of a kitchen maid. Tess is a more nuanced character than she appears at first. It sounds like she never had an upbringing or anyone to love her, to teach her right from wrong. Tess has a big heart under her tough girl facade. She pretends to be devil-may-care, chip on the shoulder but she really isn't and I grew to like her. She's a work in progress.
The new characters who will likely not reappear in future novels include Lady Cynthia's friend Clemmie, Lady Clementina Godfrey. She's silly, naive and bored. Personally, I don't have much sympathy for her. Yes society matches were made for wealth and connections but really, find someone you can tolerate, find out what kind of man he is BEFORE you marry him. If he's a collector, run away as fast as you can because he will not cherish you above his collections and may even look at you as an object to be possessed. I believe Sir Godfrey has secrets and is lying about his background. Like Lord Rankin, he's strict in his notions of how he appears to outsiders but his morals are repugnant. This is obviously not a happy marriage with no way out.
Two policemen appear to investigate the crimes in this novel. Inspector McGregor is surly, grumpy and suspects Daniel of murder and Kat of covering up for Daniel. I believe he is rather arrogant and has a nasty, suspicious mind. He's too quick to try to find an easy solution without thinking about alternatives. Chief Inspector Moss is softer, more kind and understands the ways of the nobility. I did not agree with him about handling them with kid gloves because that leads to corruption but neither do I agree with McGregor's gruff, tough ways. There's also one very scary bad guy, Pilcher, who may have connections to Daniel's past.
While this is the second book in the series, it stands alone as a mystery. I look forward to catching up with Kat, Daniel and Cynthia in Kew Gardens soon.
This mystery is not as engaging or as exciting as the first but it's also not as dark. I came to the exact same conclusion about the paintings as Kat did but luckily there was more to the mystery. The initial guess was too obvious. There's a lot of social commentary on how horrible marriage was for upper class women who were treated as property of their husbands. Kat's marriage was terrible but she has skills that give her some measure of independence. She ruminates a lot on the subject of women's rights and that feels more like the author sticking her opinion into this period piece. While I don't disagree with her, it seems unlikely that Kat would be thinking about such things. Lady Cynthia, yes; Kat, no. Cynthia also has her own thoughts about the wickedness of men. The romance takes a back seat to the mystery but heats up a little bit at the end. I wanted more romance.
I just love the characters. Kat is still strong, independent and capable. She's also very nurturing. She can be a bit brusque at first until one gets to know her and sees her big heart. I do believe she loves Daniel but because of circumstances, they can't be together. Kat is determined to be independent, at least for now, but I think there will come a time, hopefully, when Kat, Daniel, James and Grace can be a family together. Daniel is still mysteriously employed but he reveals more about his past. His past is pretty dark and Dickensian. It's amazing he was able to overcome it. We still don't know what he does but he's dropped a lot of hints. I still think someone from the Home Office hires Daniel, someone to whom Daniel owes a debt. I agree with Kat that Daniel should retire but I think his job earns him more than he would as a laborer and like Kat, he wants the money to support his child. James is still a cheeky lad but here we see his vulnerable side. He's still a boy who loves his dad and doesn't know what to do when faced with a crisis. I love how Kat and Daniel support each other and have that bond that brings them together.
Lady Cynthia is a little more subdued now, in mourning for her sister, but she still rejects traditional gender norms. She's become cynical about men but I think there's a romance brewing in her future. I hope so! Daniel's best friend Elgin Thanos appears again, in a larger role, to help solve the mystery AND help Cynthia avoid doltish suitors. I love his scholarly mind and how patient he is explaining things. Not many scholars can actually explain what they know to others who are ignorant. I love how he sees the measure of a man (or woman) quickly and treats everyone with respect, even the idiots Cynthia's uncle finds for her to marry. We learn more about how Daniel and Thaos met and why they're so close. Mr. Davis is limited to only a few scenes and nothing major. I found him an annoying gossip in the first book. He seems interested in Kat but not for the right reasons. I think he'd like to marry her just to cook for him. I don't like how he insinuates she spends her day out with a beau. That's none of his business and I bet if she did, he'd tattle to the family above stairs.
There are only a few new characters here. Lady Cynthia's aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Bywater are staying in Lord Rankin's house to chaperone Cynthia. Mr. Bywater seems nice enough but just doesn't understand Cynthia. Mrs. Bywater seems stupid and she's cheap. She doesn't understand or care to understand what it takes to run a household and she is strict in her notions for being only upper middle class. The most important new person in the house is Tess, the new kitchen maid. Tess, an orphaned street rat, is sent to work with Kat by Daniel. While Tess is impressed with Daniel, she's less than impressed with the duties of a kitchen maid. Tess is a more nuanced character than she appears at first. It sounds like she never had an upbringing or anyone to love her, to teach her right from wrong. Tess has a big heart under her tough girl facade. She pretends to be devil-may-care, chip on the shoulder but she really isn't and I grew to like her. She's a work in progress.
The new characters who will likely not reappear in future novels include Lady Cynthia's friend Clemmie, Lady Clementina Godfrey. She's silly, naive and bored. Personally, I don't have much sympathy for her. Yes society matches were made for wealth and connections but really, find someone you can tolerate, find out what kind of man he is BEFORE you marry him. If he's a collector, run away as fast as you can because he will not cherish you above his collections and may even look at you as an object to be possessed. I believe Sir Godfrey has secrets and is lying about his background. Like Lord Rankin, he's strict in his notions of how he appears to outsiders but his morals are repugnant. This is obviously not a happy marriage with no way out.
Two policemen appear to investigate the crimes in this novel. Inspector McGregor is surly, grumpy and suspects Daniel of murder and Kat of covering up for Daniel. I believe he is rather arrogant and has a nasty, suspicious mind. He's too quick to try to find an easy solution without thinking about alternatives. Chief Inspector Moss is softer, more kind and understands the ways of the nobility. I did not agree with him about handling them with kid gloves because that leads to corruption but neither do I agree with McGregor's gruff, tough ways. There's also one very scary bad guy, Pilcher, who may have connections to Daniel's past.
While this is the second book in the series, it stands alone as a mystery. I look forward to catching up with Kat, Daniel and Cynthia in Kew Gardens soon.
Read
October 26, 2017Scandal Above Stairs is Book 2 in the Kat Holloway Below Stairs Mysteries series. Reading order:
Soupcon of Poison (prequel novella--optional!)
Death Below Stairs (Book 1, Jan 2018)
Scandal Above Stairs (Book 2, July 2018)
Book 3--Title to come
In Book 2, you'll learn more about Daniel's past, meet Kat's new assistant, Tess, and catch up with the rest of the cast. I hope you enjoy it!
Books will be out in e-book, print, audio, large print, all kinds of things. :-)
Soupcon of Poison (prequel novella--optional!)
Death Below Stairs (Book 1, Jan 2018)
Scandal Above Stairs (Book 2, July 2018)
Book 3--Title to come
In Book 2, you'll learn more about Daniel's past, meet Kat's new assistant, Tess, and catch up with the rest of the cast. I hope you enjoy it!
Books will be out in e-book, print, audio, large print, all kinds of things. :-)
May 23, 2021
I enjoy the writing style of the author. The characters are well written and hold my interest. The book seemed to expand on the characters with the mystery being secondary otherwise I would have given it 5*. I look forward to the next book in the series.
July 21, 2018
This series has been so good! I can't wait for the next book!
June 12, 2018
Scandal Above Stairs was just as fun as the first one though I must say I could have used more banter between Kat and Daniel!
Things below stairs is in a bit of a state as they are understaffed and it seems that Kat, the cook and Mr. Davis the Butler are trying to make up for the fact they have no housekeeper. This means they have to try and manage the downstairs and Kat is also in need of an assistant cook. Even with all of these she still manages to keep things flowing pretty good. Then Lady Cynthia needs Kat's help because one of her friends is having some problems. It seems some paintings have gone missing and since her friend has a gambling problem, her husband is accusing her of stealing them to pay off her debts.
Soon Kat finds out that there have been a bunch of burglaries going on above stairs in different places. Then she learns that Daniel is working in a pawnshop where seedy things are happening. She still isn't sure what exactly it is that Daniel does for a living as one moment he speaks and acts like a gentleman and the next he acts like a common worker. She finds out he is there to receive some stolen goods but things go wrong when a man is found dead in the pawnshop. Kat fears the worst especially when she doesn't hear from him for a long while. Daniel is hiding out because some of the constables are on the lookout for him as not everyone knows he was working a case.
Also, it seems that Daniel has sent Kat an assistant and even though Tess doesn't know anything about cooking she is a quick study and Kat figures that Daniel must know what he is doing. Tess was my new favorite character and I hope she will be in the next book.
I really enjoy the characters in this series. Kat is such a strong female character and even though she works below stairs and knows her station she still doesn't let that stop her. She has hopes and dreams of one day having a house her and her daughter and quickly takes Tess under her wings when she can tell that she has smarts and could become a competent cook one day. Daniel, I never think much about having a book boyfriend but if I did I believe it would be him. There is just something about Daniel's character that appeals to me. He is a sweet guy with a checkered past and chose to become something better. Still not sure exactly what that something is as it seems he is not really a cop, so I am thinking he must work for the crown or something. I wish he would tell Kat as I want to know! :)I do wish that Daniel was in the story more, he was towards the middle and end but I missed him in the beginning! I also liked getting to know a bit more about Eglin Thanos who is Daniel's friend and I so hope that him and Lady Cynthia get together, they would be so cute together!
The mystery was done really well and I had a hard time figuring whodunit and was a little surprised to find out the bad guy in this one. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this one and can't wait for the next one! If you like mysteries then give this series a try!
Things below stairs is in a bit of a state as they are understaffed and it seems that Kat, the cook and Mr. Davis the Butler are trying to make up for the fact they have no housekeeper. This means they have to try and manage the downstairs and Kat is also in need of an assistant cook. Even with all of these she still manages to keep things flowing pretty good. Then Lady Cynthia needs Kat's help because one of her friends is having some problems. It seems some paintings have gone missing and since her friend has a gambling problem, her husband is accusing her of stealing them to pay off her debts.
Soon Kat finds out that there have been a bunch of burglaries going on above stairs in different places. Then she learns that Daniel is working in a pawnshop where seedy things are happening. She still isn't sure what exactly it is that Daniel does for a living as one moment he speaks and acts like a gentleman and the next he acts like a common worker. She finds out he is there to receive some stolen goods but things go wrong when a man is found dead in the pawnshop. Kat fears the worst especially when she doesn't hear from him for a long while. Daniel is hiding out because some of the constables are on the lookout for him as not everyone knows he was working a case.
Also, it seems that Daniel has sent Kat an assistant and even though Tess doesn't know anything about cooking she is a quick study and Kat figures that Daniel must know what he is doing. Tess was my new favorite character and I hope she will be in the next book.
I really enjoy the characters in this series. Kat is such a strong female character and even though she works below stairs and knows her station she still doesn't let that stop her. She has hopes and dreams of one day having a house her and her daughter and quickly takes Tess under her wings when she can tell that she has smarts and could become a competent cook one day. Daniel, I never think much about having a book boyfriend but if I did I believe it would be him. There is just something about Daniel's character that appeals to me. He is a sweet guy with a checkered past and chose to become something better. Still not sure exactly what that something is as it seems he is not really a cop, so I am thinking he must work for the crown or something. I wish he would tell Kat as I want to know! :)I do wish that Daniel was in the story more, he was towards the middle and end but I missed him in the beginning! I also liked getting to know a bit more about Eglin Thanos who is Daniel's friend and I so hope that him and Lady Cynthia get together, they would be so cute together!
The mystery was done really well and I had a hard time figuring whodunit and was a little surprised to find out the bad guy in this one. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this one and can't wait for the next one! If you like mysteries then give this series a try!
February 8, 2019
2.5 stars.
This one was pretty much on par with the first book of the series. The mystery itself was just fine, but the super slow relationship development between the h and her "friend" was still full of secrets. Drawn out secrets. The "I can't tell you because of an oath to someone else" secret. The "I'm so sorry I can't tell you, but I hope you'll wait for me" secrets. Ugh. And I'm just so bored by it all. Plus, given that the h's love interest is 30 and his son is 16 (I think) means that he got someone pregnant when he was 13 or 14. I know this happens IRL, but I have a son that age and this little tidbit really skeeves me out. Plus, has this man been tomcatting it since he was that age? The not knowing is really bugging the safe reads lover in me.
I like the h a lot. She's such a strong woman. But in the end, all her repetitive "I don't want to be seduced" to "I can totally be seduced right now" thoughts started to get on my last nerve. I don't think that I'll continue on with this series. I think my knitting friend will read it, so I'll just bum the deets from her. :)
This one was pretty much on par with the first book of the series. The mystery itself was just fine, but the super slow relationship development between the h and her "friend" was still full of secrets. Drawn out secrets. The "I can't tell you because of an oath to someone else" secret. The "I'm so sorry I can't tell you, but I hope you'll wait for me" secrets. Ugh. And I'm just so bored by it all. Plus, given that the h's love interest is 30 and his son is 16 (I think) means that he got someone pregnant when he was 13 or 14. I know this happens IRL, but I have a son that age and this little tidbit really skeeves me out. Plus, has this man been tomcatting it since he was that age? The not knowing is really bugging the safe reads lover in me.
I like the h a lot. She's such a strong woman. But in the end, all her repetitive "I don't want to be seduced" to "I can totally be seduced right now" thoughts started to get on my last nerve. I don't think that I'll continue on with this series. I think my knitting friend will read it, so I'll just bum the deets from her. :)
June 25, 2018
After delving into the Downstairs world in a Victorian era Upper class household with a mystery solving cook, I was eager to press forward with the next installment in the series.
Scandal Above Stairs is book two in the Kat Holloway series. For those new to the series, I would recommend starting with the prequel if you can where Kat and Daniel are introduced and they have their first murder investigation together.
Following not long after the last venture into detecting, Kat is content with her place cooking for quirky Lady Cynthia and her parsimonious aunt and uncle, but then Lady Cynthia coaxes her out of the kitchen for help with robberies going on in her friend's home and her friend getting accused of the theft. Meanwhile, Kat has the training of a new kitchen maid that Daniel sends along and mixes herself up into Daniel's undercover work.
These move along at a gentle pace and have the feel of a historical blended with cozy mystery. The time spent with Kat doing her culinary magic in a Victorian kitchen and the world of the serving class below stairs is as fascinating to me as the mystery elements. The details are lavish and add to rather than get in the way of the story.
Kat is a wonderful lead character and I enjoyed getting her first person perspective on her work, the people around her, and her curiosity for solving mysteries. Kat sees women as Lady Cynthia and others as movers and shakers and brushes off Daniel's fulsome compliments and admiration because she can't see just how special she is. She raised herself from a char woman's daughter who got deceived into a bigamous marriage to an educated cook and a mother with ambitions for her daughter. She doesn't wallow in her past, but she does have a wary attitude toward men, now. Daniel is slowly getting past her guard as they share each new detecting venture. His work is dangerous and his life is exciting. She doesn't want to admit she cares.
The mystery wasn't particularly difficult to figure out, but I did enjoy being along while Kat and Daniel work it out and solve it in an exciting finish. It's a fun series and I will definitely picking up the next one when it comes.
I rec'd this book through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review and had the good fortune to win a copy through GoodReads.
Scandal Above Stairs is book two in the Kat Holloway series. For those new to the series, I would recommend starting with the prequel if you can where Kat and Daniel are introduced and they have their first murder investigation together.
Following not long after the last venture into detecting, Kat is content with her place cooking for quirky Lady Cynthia and her parsimonious aunt and uncle, but then Lady Cynthia coaxes her out of the kitchen for help with robberies going on in her friend's home and her friend getting accused of the theft. Meanwhile, Kat has the training of a new kitchen maid that Daniel sends along and mixes herself up into Daniel's undercover work.
These move along at a gentle pace and have the feel of a historical blended with cozy mystery. The time spent with Kat doing her culinary magic in a Victorian kitchen and the world of the serving class below stairs is as fascinating to me as the mystery elements. The details are lavish and add to rather than get in the way of the story.
Kat is a wonderful lead character and I enjoyed getting her first person perspective on her work, the people around her, and her curiosity for solving mysteries. Kat sees women as Lady Cynthia and others as movers and shakers and brushes off Daniel's fulsome compliments and admiration because she can't see just how special she is. She raised herself from a char woman's daughter who got deceived into a bigamous marriage to an educated cook and a mother with ambitions for her daughter. She doesn't wallow in her past, but she does have a wary attitude toward men, now. Daniel is slowly getting past her guard as they share each new detecting venture. His work is dangerous and his life is exciting. She doesn't want to admit she cares.
The mystery wasn't particularly difficult to figure out, but I did enjoy being along while Kat and Daniel work it out and solve it in an exciting finish. It's a fun series and I will definitely picking up the next one when it comes.
I rec'd this book through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review and had the good fortune to win a copy through GoodReads.
June 19, 2018
Intrepid Victorian cook Kat Holloway is drawn into a second investigation; this time occurring among the aristocracy "above stairs." The young woman of the house where Kat works, Lady Cynthia, is very concerned about a close friend. Valuable paintings have gone missing in the friend's house, and her husband is blaming her for it. The friend has a gambling problem, and the husband thinks she has sold them to cover the debts. Lady Cynthia wants Kat to help clear her. While visiting the friend's home, Kat discovers that there have been several houses where other objet d'art have been stolen, as well as valuable museum-grade antiquities. It is no surprise that the enigmatic Daniel McAdam is involved in some way in the investigation of the antiquity thefts. In this second full-length novel, a few of the layers of Daniel McAdam are peeled away, and an appealing new character is introduced; Tess, Kat's new assistant in the kitchen. Tess has her secrets, just as Kat and Daniel do, but she has promise, both in the kitchen and out. The investigation proceeds at a somewhat leisurely pace this time with many twists and turns.
The Kat Holloway Mysteries are well researched and populated with likable characters. Kat has carved out a place for herself in the world despite coming from humble circumstances. She is so accomplished in her career that she is free from the fear of losing her job and is granted much agency by her employers. She knows that she can find another position with no problem. It is fascinating to see just how much work was involved in running a Victorian kitchen and producing the large multi-course meals the aristocracy demanded. Kat is intelligent, no-nonsense, but has a soft center.
Thanks to FIrst to Read for an advance digital copy of Scandal Above Stairs. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries with a dash of romance.
The Kat Holloway Mysteries are well researched and populated with likable characters. Kat has carved out a place for herself in the world despite coming from humble circumstances. She is so accomplished in her career that she is free from the fear of losing her job and is granted much agency by her employers. She knows that she can find another position with no problem. It is fascinating to see just how much work was involved in running a Victorian kitchen and producing the large multi-course meals the aristocracy demanded. Kat is intelligent, no-nonsense, but has a soft center.
Thanks to FIrst to Read for an advance digital copy of Scandal Above Stairs. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries with a dash of romance.
June 13, 2018
4.5 stars.
I liked this second installment even better than the first (even though it made me constantly hungry. The dangers in reading a book about a cook!). In the first installment, we got to meet a lot of great secondary characters in James, Cynthia, and Thanos. Scandal Above Stairs built on those characters and added in Tess, someone I loved from the first instant she stepped on the page. Even though I love Daniel and Kat, watching Tess and Kat’s relationship grow throughout this book was one of my favorite things. It was a beautiful relationship that often made me tear up. I liked how it paralleled some of the ways Daniel and James were connecting. Now Jennifer Ashley has created a world full of characters I look forward to spending more time with. Even though I enjoyed the mystery, especially since it involves art and antiquities, for me it’s all about the characters in this series.
But don’t get me wrong. I loved all the developments between Daniel and Kat. Their interactions in this book were full of chemistry, spark, wit, and emotion. I loved every single moment. We also got some hints about Daniel’s past, and if there was only one complaint I had in this book, it was that I wish we’d gotten even the tiniest bit more. I guess that’s the point of a (hopefully) long series though: little bits revealed slowly over time.
I highly recommend this series to fans of historical and/or mystery books.
I liked this second installment even better than the first (even though it made me constantly hungry. The dangers in reading a book about a cook!). In the first installment, we got to meet a lot of great secondary characters in James, Cynthia, and Thanos. Scandal Above Stairs built on those characters and added in Tess, someone I loved from the first instant she stepped on the page. Even though I love Daniel and Kat, watching Tess and Kat’s relationship grow throughout this book was one of my favorite things. It was a beautiful relationship that often made me tear up. I liked how it paralleled some of the ways Daniel and James were connecting. Now Jennifer Ashley has created a world full of characters I look forward to spending more time with. Even though I enjoyed the mystery, especially since it involves art and antiquities, for me it’s all about the characters in this series.
But don’t get me wrong. I loved all the developments between Daniel and Kat. Their interactions in this book were full of chemistry, spark, wit, and emotion. I loved every single moment. We also got some hints about Daniel’s past, and if there was only one complaint I had in this book, it was that I wish we’d gotten even the tiniest bit more. I guess that’s the point of a (hopefully) long series though: little bits revealed slowly over time.
I highly recommend this series to fans of historical and/or mystery books.
May 30, 2018
Another intriguing mystery taking place in London in the year 1880. The intrepid Kat Holloway has taken another job as head cook for a Gentry family in their city townhouse. As usual she finds a bit of mystery to solve; and as always, her special friend Daniel McAdams is smack in the middle of her investigation. Although I found this story a bit on the languid side, I enjoyed the mystery and the flair of the setting...as well as learning the preparation and recipes going into the dishes for the ‘upstairs’. There are also some enjoyable secondary characters, who look to be around for a bit in future books.
Oh, and a few more layers were also peeled back in the mystery wrapped in an enigma that is Daniel...
Oh, and a few more layers were also peeled back in the mystery wrapped in an enigma that is Daniel...
February 20, 2019
This was a much tighter read than book one. I really liked that we kept the same characters because it felt more comfortable, like visiting with old friends. I also liked the addition of Tess, who I hope becomes a bigger part of the story (maybe with James?). Looking forward to the next book!
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
June 28, 2018
Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
There’s no rest for Kat Holloway, the most talented cook in Mayfair. Not only has her kitchen assistant quit to be married and thus left her shorthanded, Lady Cynthia has a request: she wants Kat’s help to solve a mystery and clear her friend Clemmie’s name. Valuable paintings have gone missing from her household and Clemmie’s husband is blaming her for it. One mystery begets another and another as first Kat learns that antiquities are being stolen from multiple residences, then she finds out that her friend Daniel McAdam is undercover in in a seedy pawnshop. With her curiosity piqued, Kat will have to use all her detective skills above stairs and below to uncover a mastermind willing to kill to protect his secrets.
I love falling into Kat Holloway’s world. In Scandal Above Stairs Jennifer Ashley drew me in from the start with a seemingly simple mystery that leads to something far more complex and I did not want to put the book down.
Kat is the heart and soul of the story and she’s a fantastic heroine. She’s clever, observant, loyal, talented, and kind, but Ms. Ashley keeps her from feeling too good to be real. Kat has a no-nonsense attitude, but she also draws people to her, which is how she finds herself in the middle of this latest mystery. Cynthia trusts and respects Kat, which is why she asks for her help in the first place and I love the unlikely friendship between a rather unconventional lady and an equally unique cook. The characters are what makes Scandal Above Stairs shine. Familiar characters and those newly introduced are all incredibly well-crafted and are like puzzle pieces who fit together perfectly. My favorite relationship is definitely the one between Kat and Daniel. This time around, we learn more about Daniel and the past he keeps secret. I was thrilled to learn more about him and I was excited that he opened up to Kat when he doesn’t trust most people. The romantic tension between Kat and Daniel continues to build and I’m looking forward to seeing how their relationship progresses.
Scandal Above Stairs is the second full-length book in the Kat Holloway series and it can be read as a standalone. However, for a more complete reading experience I recommend first reading the prequel novella, A Soupçon of Poison, and the first novel, Death Below Stairs, in order to get a better understanding of the characters and their relationships (Daniel and Kat’s in particular). I hesitate to say any more about this book because mysteries lose their excitement when you talk too much about them. Suffice it to say that Ms. Ashley never fails to entertain and her blend of fact and fiction, of murder and mystery is wonderful. Kat and her friends are endearing, the story moves at a quick pace, I was thoroughly entertained, and I cannot wait to read the next Kat Holloway book!
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
There’s no rest for Kat Holloway, the most talented cook in Mayfair. Not only has her kitchen assistant quit to be married and thus left her shorthanded, Lady Cynthia has a request: she wants Kat’s help to solve a mystery and clear her friend Clemmie’s name. Valuable paintings have gone missing from her household and Clemmie’s husband is blaming her for it. One mystery begets another and another as first Kat learns that antiquities are being stolen from multiple residences, then she finds out that her friend Daniel McAdam is undercover in in a seedy pawnshop. With her curiosity piqued, Kat will have to use all her detective skills above stairs and below to uncover a mastermind willing to kill to protect his secrets.
I love falling into Kat Holloway’s world. In Scandal Above Stairs Jennifer Ashley drew me in from the start with a seemingly simple mystery that leads to something far more complex and I did not want to put the book down.
Kat is the heart and soul of the story and she’s a fantastic heroine. She’s clever, observant, loyal, talented, and kind, but Ms. Ashley keeps her from feeling too good to be real. Kat has a no-nonsense attitude, but she also draws people to her, which is how she finds herself in the middle of this latest mystery. Cynthia trusts and respects Kat, which is why she asks for her help in the first place and I love the unlikely friendship between a rather unconventional lady and an equally unique cook. The characters are what makes Scandal Above Stairs shine. Familiar characters and those newly introduced are all incredibly well-crafted and are like puzzle pieces who fit together perfectly. My favorite relationship is definitely the one between Kat and Daniel. This time around, we learn more about Daniel and the past he keeps secret. I was thrilled to learn more about him and I was excited that he opened up to Kat when he doesn’t trust most people. The romantic tension between Kat and Daniel continues to build and I’m looking forward to seeing how their relationship progresses.
Scandal Above Stairs is the second full-length book in the Kat Holloway series and it can be read as a standalone. However, for a more complete reading experience I recommend first reading the prequel novella, A Soupçon of Poison, and the first novel, Death Below Stairs, in order to get a better understanding of the characters and their relationships (Daniel and Kat’s in particular). I hesitate to say any more about this book because mysteries lose their excitement when you talk too much about them. Suffice it to say that Ms. Ashley never fails to entertain and her blend of fact and fiction, of murder and mystery is wonderful. Kat and her friends are endearing, the story moves at a quick pace, I was thoroughly entertained, and I cannot wait to read the next Kat Holloway book!
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
September 8, 2018
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
At the request of her employer Kat Holloway is looking into the disappearance of some artwork from a wealthy peer's home. However, as more priceless pieces of art and antiquities go missing Kat realises there may be more going on than first appears. Calling on the assistance of Daniel MacAdam she finds that he is already undercover in a seedy pawnshop and working on the case. The stakes are raised when a man is found murdered, a man who looks suspiciously like Daniel MacAdam…
This series is fast becoming one of my favourite series, it draws you in with a good mystery and then keeps you there as you become more entwined with the characters’ lives. In this book we are introduced to a new character, Tess, a teenager who just needs someone to take a chance on her. Although she quickly charmed me it was the development of Kat Holloway our cook/detective that kept me captivated.
As someone who loves a romance it wasn’t just the mystery that I loved about this book, it was the continuing evolution of the relationship between Kat and Daniel. Kat has been burned by romance before and has made herself a strong and independent woman who doesn’t want or need a man. However, she can’t deny the regard she has for Daniel and the increasing attraction between them. I love the way Ashley has developed their relationship; the friendship and respect between them burns brightly, blazing the trail for their romance. Their friendship was further aided by the revelation of some of Daniel’s mysterious past, something I hope will be explored in a future book.
However, although the characters development was an important aspect of this book, so was the mystery. In this book we have the dark world of antiquities and art theft to explore. I was happy to come along for the ride and admit that I didn’t guess who was behind it until it was revealed at the end. The mystery also allowed us to take a glimpse into the life of a domestic servant as Kat had to juggle her place as a Cook in an aristocratic household and her sleuthing. It was an extra aspect to the book which I really enjoyed and added some depth to the story; Ashley had clearly done some research
If you are after a mystery then you need to give this series a try, it has a host of excellently wrought characters, a little romance and an interesting mystery to dive into.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Suzanne❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
July 19, 2018
2.5 stars - overall rating should be two stars, but I'm still hoping the series will get better and decided to give it the benefit of the doubt.
This is one of those books/series in which I love the premise, but the execution has much to be desired. The mystery is once again a bit weak and the investigation had me rolling my eyes at times. Everything just felt so lame...
I really like Kat's character, but I don't see why people respect her opinion so much in matters of intrigue. She's intelligent, but her observations aren't much better than the average layman, and certainly shouldn't be better than the police's. It really just makes me think she has slightly above average intelligence and is surrounded by idiots.
And I can't explain it, but half the time some 'epiphany' to the case is explained or when the villains at the end describe they're 'diabolical plans', it feels stupid. Okay, maybe 'stupid' isn't the right word - simplistic. I guess for a mystery it just isn't clever enough to grab my attention.
But, despite all that, I really like the characters - especially Kat, and I love the whole premise. I do plan on reading the next book when it comes out, but this will be the last time I give a 3 star rating if the mystery/investigation doesn't improve. I really like the authors historical-romances and her overall writing style, it's just the mystery aspect I am struggling with.
This is one of those books/series in which I love the premise, but the execution has much to be desired. The mystery is once again a bit weak and the investigation had me rolling my eyes at times. Everything just felt so lame...
I really like Kat's character, but I don't see why people respect her opinion so much in matters of intrigue. She's intelligent, but her observations aren't much better than the average layman, and certainly shouldn't be better than the police's. It really just makes me think she has slightly above average intelligence and is surrounded by idiots.
And I can't explain it, but half the time some 'epiphany' to the case is explained or when the villains at the end describe they're 'diabolical plans', it feels stupid. Okay, maybe 'stupid' isn't the right word - simplistic. I guess for a mystery it just isn't clever enough to grab my attention.
But, despite all that, I really like the characters - especially Kat, and I love the whole premise. I do plan on reading the next book when it comes out, but this will be the last time I give a 3 star rating if the mystery/investigation doesn't improve. I really like the authors historical-romances and her overall writing style, it's just the mystery aspect I am struggling with.
October 30, 2019
anche 4,5 stelline - Questo secondo volume è stato sinora il più bello.
Non solo tornano i vecchi personaggi, ma c'è più spazio anche per la strana e simpaticissima padrona di Kat, lady Cynthia Shires, una giovane donna anticonformista che si ostina a indossare spesso completi maschili e a infischiarsene delle convenzioni che vorrebbero le nobildonne graziosi soprammobili di porcellana in adorazione dei maschi di casa.
Quando poi proprio un'amica di lady Chyntia si trova nei guai (ma anche un'amica cuoca di Kat - la trama segue sempre gli sviluppi e le ripercussioni ai piani bassi delle varie dimore...) con mocidio in casa, ecco che la premiata coppia Kat/Daniel torna all'opera.
Daniel resta un mistero: è un uomo colto, capace di passare per un gentiluomo, ma anche per un barbone, quando si camuffa.
Si vede che adora Kat e che vorrebbe dare una possibilità a lei e ala figlia Grace, ma c'è ancora qualcosa di sospeso nel suo passato che non lo permette.
Anche qui non si va oltre a un bacio e a vari sguardi intensi, quindi esiterei a definirlo un romance vero e proprio.
Però mi è piaciuto molto.
Non solo tornano i vecchi personaggi, ma c'è più spazio anche per la strana e simpaticissima padrona di Kat, lady Cynthia Shires, una giovane donna anticonformista che si ostina a indossare spesso completi maschili e a infischiarsene delle convenzioni che vorrebbero le nobildonne graziosi soprammobili di porcellana in adorazione dei maschi di casa.
Quando poi proprio un'amica di lady Chyntia si trova nei guai (ma anche un'amica cuoca di Kat - la trama segue sempre gli sviluppi e le ripercussioni ai piani bassi delle varie dimore...) con mocidio in casa, ecco che la premiata coppia Kat/Daniel torna all'opera.
Daniel resta un mistero: è un uomo colto, capace di passare per un gentiluomo, ma anche per un barbone, quando si camuffa.
Si vede che adora Kat e che vorrebbe dare una possibilità a lei e ala figlia Grace, ma c'è ancora qualcosa di sospeso nel suo passato che non lo permette.
Anche qui non si va oltre a un bacio e a vari sguardi intensi, quindi esiterei a definirlo un romance vero e proprio.
Però mi è piaciuto molto.
August 10, 2018
3.5 stars for the second entry in this series.
A few random thoughts--
I really like Kat Holloway and Lady Cynthia is really growing on me. We learn a bit about Kat's childhood in this book, as she tries to encourage her new, young assistant Tess to 'think positive and dream big'.
Daniel McAdam remains a bit of a mystery man. Though we do learn a bit more of his backstory, his employer remains firmly shrouded in mystery.
The main mystery, involving the theft of antiquities from private collectors as well as the British museum, was convoluted to say the least. Perhaps too convoluted. But it did introduce us to a policeman whom I am sure we will see again, ditto a real nasty baddie and a criminal kingpin.
The food descriptions were enough to make me hungry. Kat's unspoken critiques of the food she encounters in tea shops, pubs and other kitchens is amusing; Kat has no false modesty about her own culinary skills, no sirree!
A very enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours. I am looking forward to the next one.
A few random thoughts--
I really like Kat Holloway and Lady Cynthia is really growing on me. We learn a bit about Kat's childhood in this book, as she tries to encourage her new, young assistant Tess to 'think positive and dream big'.
Daniel McAdam remains a bit of a mystery man. Though we do learn a bit more of his backstory, his employer remains firmly shrouded in mystery.
The main mystery, involving the theft of antiquities from private collectors as well as the British museum, was convoluted to say the least. Perhaps too convoluted. But it did introduce us to a policeman whom I am sure we will see again, ditto a real nasty baddie and a criminal kingpin.
The food descriptions were enough to make me hungry. Kat's unspoken critiques of the food she encounters in tea shops, pubs and other kitchens is amusing; Kat has no false modesty about her own culinary skills, no sirree!
A very enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours. I am looking forward to the next one.
Want to read
July 27, 2018Jennifer Ashley’s latest who dun it is an intricate dance of drama and humor with a light sprinkle of romance. Set in the 1800s, Ashley’s heroine is a no-nonsense cook in a fine household with a solid constitution and a marshmallow heart. A complicated woman whose own life has been a series of trials, Kat welcomes all into her kitchen with a stern word and a warm hug. A hardy cast of personable cast adds to the humor with the intractable Lady Cynthia whose only crime is wanting freedom from her gender to the newest addition, Tess, a former child thief whose own issues appeal to Kat’s maternal instincts. The faint romance that started in book one advances alongside the action-packed mystery though fans may have to wait a little while longer to see what fruit will bear from this liaison. Once again, Ashley proves welds her craft with precision no matter the genre.
Grade: B
Grade: B
August 7, 2022
2022 reread: The reveal wasn’t quite so confusing to me this time, but the development of the little family that’s forming here is where this book shines.
2021 review: The first book in the series was so good that I’m giving this one the benefit of a half-star boost since it could be a sophomore slump.
The magic of this story is when Kat and Daniel are together, but so much of the story has them operating separately.
The mystery at the home where Kat works resolved with a whimper…there was no big investigation or ah-ha moment. The conclusion of the larger, main mystery was confusing to me. I felt like all the characters suddenly “got it,” but I didn’t.
I’m still reading because just a few scenes with Daniel flirting with Kat and one little exchange about James redeemed the book for me.
2021 review: The first book in the series was so good that I’m giving this one the benefit of a half-star boost since it could be a sophomore slump.
The magic of this story is when Kat and Daniel are together, but so much of the story has them operating separately.
The mystery at the home where Kat works resolved with a whimper…there was no big investigation or ah-ha moment. The conclusion of the larger, main mystery was confusing to me. I felt like all the characters suddenly “got it,” but I didn’t.
I’m still reading because just a few scenes with Daniel flirting with Kat and one little exchange about James redeemed the book for me.
September 23, 2018
Scandal Above Stairs by Jennifer Ashley was an engrossing read for me. I enjoyed every minute and read in an afternoon. Ms. Ashley writes a plot that is both engaging and emotional as we learn more about Daniel in this one. I absolutely adore Lady Cynthia and Elgin Thanos. Tess, Mrs. Holloways's new assistant, is a tough, street smart young girl that had me smiling at times as she learns the ropes of being in a "hoity toity" house's kitchen. I still find it incredible that Mrs. Holloway can run off at a moments notice without the family noting her absence; but I try to ignore that and enjoy the mystery.
March 10, 2019
My rating is not for the plot, which was basically nonexistent for the entire middle of the book, but for the characters, whom I love and want to keep reading about! Would like to see them get more substantial mysteries to work, but I love the dynamics of the "downstairs" cast and the rich historical detail.
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